General Questions:
1. Question: Where should I send questions about the NOFO?
Response: All questions about the NOFO should be sent to DHS.DBHR.Grant.Implementation@Illinois.gov.
2) Question: Is it a requirement to be licensed as a SUD treatment provider to be eligible to apply for the Bridge PWWDC NOFO?
Response: Yes. The specific types of applicants that may apply for the grant award are:
Licensed SUD treatment providers. Applicants must be licensed prior to submission. Licensed SUD treatment providers may partner with other organizations through MOU's and subawards to meet the program requirements. Organizations are encouraged to partner with other organizations in order to meet the program requirements. Subawards are allowable to enhance treatment programs to meet the goal of this NOFO (See Program goals and objectives). The subaward agreement must be signed and approved by the Division prior to the initiation of any services. Organizations must adhere to all subaward requirements set forth in the current Contractual Policy Manual.
3) Question: Are organizations with existing pregnant women and women with dependent children (PWWDC) programs eligible to apply for the Bridge PWWDC NOFO.
Response: Yes, this funding opportunity is for new programming and to increase the state's capacity to address the needs of PWWDC. Please see Section 3. Program Description of the NOFO. - The general purpose of the funding is to create new programming and increase the capacity of programming designed specifically to address the needs of PWWDC experiencing SUD or COD and their families. This program is expected to achieve a positive impact on keeping families intact and building infrastructure and resources within communities to better serve them for the public good.
4) Question: Is this grant Federal passthrough or entirely state funded?
Response: State Funds. Under Basic Information, F. Funding Details: The source of funding for this program is State funds.
5) Question: If our organization missed the deadline for submitting the Letter of Intent (LOI), is our agency still eligible to apply for the Bridge PWWDC NOFO.
Response: Yes, organizations are still eligible to apply even if they did not submit a LOI. LOI are not required, but organizations were strongly encouraged to submit per the following language in the NOFO under Section 4. Application and Content:
1. The Department strongly encourages the submission of a Letter of Intent by 10/29/2025 at 4:00 pm CST. This should be a one-page document stating your organization's name, your intent to apply for the NOFO, and the counties or community areas you plan to serve. Please email your letter of intent to Lisa Cohen at Lisa.cohen@illinois.gov . In the subject line, please put your agency name and Letter of Intent.
6) Question: In the Proposal Narrative Sections, it refers applicants to the Program Description Section C Program Goals and Objectives. There is no Section C in the NOFO.
Response: NOFO correction: When replying to questions in the b. Proposal Narrative section, please refer to Section 3. - Program Description, III. Goals and Objectives.
7) Question: Will you please clarify what the four (4) program framework areas are?
Response: Please see the following correction to NOFO language b. Proposal Narrative Sections, 4. Project Description, Question 1: Applications will be scored in accordance with organizations ability to describe how they will address each of the seven (7) core program services and the four (4) program goals. The seven (7) core program services and the four (4) program goals are located in Section 3. - Program Description, III. Goals and Objectives.
8) Question: Is the funding of $450,000 to $750,000 allocated annually, or will it be provided as a one-time payment for the entire term of the award (from February 1, 2026, to June 30, 2028)?
Response: Please reference 1. Basic Information, F. Funding Details: The funding range provided is for an annual award. Successful applicants under this NOFO may be eligible to receive two subsequent one-year grant renewals for this program. Renewals are at the discretion of the Department and are based on sufficient appropriation and performance criteria. The anticipated start date for this program is 2/1/26.
As specified in VII. Specific unallowable costs for this program: This program will utilize an expense-based budget. Awardees will submit Monthly Expenditure Payment Vouchers through email by the 15th of the month based on the previous month's expenditures using the approved form (IV. Program Deliverables).
9) Question: Can this funding be utilized to establish a new Family Advocacy Center or a Family Community Resource Center with a licensed Community Mental Health Center (CMHC)?
Response: A successful applicant will be a licensed SUD treatment provider (2. Eligibility) that meets the requirements set forth in Section 3 - Program Description.
10) Question: Is it permissible to use the funding to expand existing licensed Recovery Homes that serve pregnant women and women with children up to age 10?
Response: No funding may not be used to expand existing licensed recovery homes that serve PWWDC. A PWWDC program as defined in this funding opportunity are licensed outpatient, intensive outpatient and residential rehabilitative programs (Executive Summary and 2. Eligibility). These programs meet the requirements set forth in Section 3 - Program Description.
11) Question: Can the funding be allocated for training staff as Doulas and Lactation Consultants?
Response: Yes, funding may be used for training/certification within the PWWDC program. Please see Section 3.- Program Description, III. Goals and Objectives:
Objective 2. Support training and certification for Doulas and Lactation Consultants. These individuals must also receive SUD and COD training in the context of working with PWWDC and their families. Program Managers will devise a training and credentialing plan for staff in alignment with HFS notifications:
